Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) breaks up a pass against the Dallas Cowboys. The 26-year-old will be one of the top cornerbacks in free agency.

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Sam Shields has been at the bottom of the NFL's salary rung for four years after entering the league as an undrafted rookie in 2010.

But Shields resisted relative financial security last year when the Packers tried to negotiate a contract extension, and then survived the significant injury risk of playing through 2013.

Now the 26-year-old cornerback no doubt is looking for his reward: a blockbuster payday as a free agent this spring. Which likely is making it difficult for the Packers to re-sign the player who likely is their No. 1 contract priority this offseason. ...